Monday, December 03, 2007

It Really Is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.We probably arrived at the tree lot at the busiest possible time, which is rare for us, but it only took 30 seconds. First: Fluffy or Noble? This year we voted fluffy. Max picked up one 6 footer and we agreed it was too narrow. We grabbed the one next to it and ta-da we had our tree.

I guess this isn't the most riveting news. It's happening everywhere, just about. Families going to tree lots. People driving around with plastic netted evergreens tied to their rooftops, like hunters returning from a woodland safari. Suburban, mundane... whatever. When that first whiff of pine hits my senses I am a child again. I feel tingly and optimistic. I feel connected to every Christmas past and holiday gathering ever. I want to open ornament boxes and reunite myself with dear memories and the tangible evidence our lives, our evolving, growing lives. And I can already anticipate the warm and quiet pleasure of waking early, plugging in the lights and reflecting in the soft, flickering glow.

There is one deciduous tree here at Garage Mahal, and it dropped a lot of leaves during our recent rain. Alex asked if he could rake them. Isn't that sweet? The landlord has gardeners come in to do all the mowing/blowing/cutting/raking of the postage stamp yard. Gardening and yardwork has become so foreign, so distant a memory, that raking leaves is like an honor and privilege. William and Alex bartered and debated over who could use the rake first. Our good leaf rake disappeared in one of the moves, so they are stuck wrestling for use of the heavy gravel rake.

So, inside, the tree is hung with blue lights. Yes, blue. It's covered in homemade ornaments and store bought ornaments and ornaments that the cat keeps batting to the floor. And outside the yard is raked, the sky's been blue and the nights cold. I may even find the ambition to hang a string of lights around the front gate. I found some of the decorations we put around the house, like the caroling snowmen and a stuffed Santa... the rest is still packed, and hiding somewhere in the garage. The Nativity. The little toys we use to count for Advent. The multi-colored strings of light.

We even made salt dough, and Max and Maria cut ornaments. We'll paint the ornaments some time this week. I think we'll work on greeting cards too. Among my family and friends, I am not always sure who's reading, but if you are peeking at Chickenblog today... know that I am thinking of you and hoping you are healthy, safe, and enjoying the tangible and intangible signs of the season... the whiffs of pine and the feeling that we are connected to one another, dear and loved. I have happy holiday, and merry wishes for all. And now I am going to plug in those lights and be glad.

5 comments:

The sweetness of this post helps ease the "pressures" of the holidays, and helps remind us of the simple joys of this season...memories, time with family & friends, the little things that mean more then mag-pefect homes and restaurnat-quailty food or a store full of gifts. You give a priceless gift today, Natalie...I want to go turn on the lights and glow! Happy Days to you all ((HUGS))

Shop Closed Until We Have Sunnier Days!

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You are visiting Chicken Blog~

Deep thoughts and other musings, from a woman who writes about the man she loves, their 3 sons and 1 daughter, Chango the cat, and Mister Washburn Foo Cat, Tasha Goat and Ada Goat, our dear Chicas, sewing, gardening & cooking, making, art, science, playing...And our lives in a home with a view.

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Chirp-Chirp-Chirp BirdHouse Notes

Sloosh and muck!

It's finally wet and cold, but I am still wearing flip-flops to the chicken run. Boots are just so much more to clean when sinking into muddy barnyards. The goats are cottage-bound, and looking distraught about the weather. Chickens don't mind rain... much! As for me, well, yes, I am quite pleased for all the rain, the dark clouds, and streams of light between showers. It's lovely.

March 2, 2015

10:00 am

Just a note to acknowledge that we have had a remarkably high number of challenging moments, difficult events, trying occurrences, and stressful matters this week, with extra bits, like flat tires, an overzealous security guard, and a credit card hack... little things for added interest. But. Life is an adventure, they say, and so this must be some drama leading up to a beautiful scene of triumph and respite, where the underdog prevails, and the foes are smote, and everyone cheers, and suddenly there is street dancing. The hero and his darling exchange knowing glances, sigh, and hold hands.

Happy Weekending, friends. Let good prevail, and may you be a hero in your life story.

February 26, 2015

9:17 am

It rained for a day, and a night. Now it's cool, but sunny. I wish we had more weather, but I know well enough to be thankful we have nothing like Boston, or Nashville, West Virginia. Be strong, friends! The barn is available, if you need to fly west!

February 24, 2015

8:54 am

Roofing supplies, for the porch, will be delivered today! We've settled on the details and specifics for how we will finish the walls, and doors, the framing. Alex is working to get a design finalized, with our vision and measurements. Pretty soon I will be choosing a paint color, and being indecisive and uncertain... I would like to apologize for this bit, in advance. SORRY! Alex is trying to impart all of his studied and skilled knowledge of color theory, and design, but I am slow, reluctant, and a bit fixated on a shade of green...

February 23, 2015

9:47 am

Too many cooks, too much stress... I came downstairs to a mess of a kitchen, and lost my cool. Everyone played a part in the scene, but I was the one who felt overwhelmed, and cranky. Such a mature, glamorous, healthy start to my Monday... bellowing like a raving drill sergeant, eyes wide and wild. No. No. Not proud. Sigh... it's humbling to feel this way for five minutes, when life is actually pretty sweet, and my family is even sweeter. I know the wind has changed, and we simply need to readjust our sails.

February 23, 2015

9:16 am

An Open Air Barn

This is the place we designed and built to keep our chickens, goats, and bunnies happy and safe. It's a dream come true!